January 3rd 2011
You may watch Melanie's Celebration Service here: http://sermonplayer.com//includes/popup_player.php?c=10751&by=Date&d=http://sermonplayer.com/&rgbval=1851781&alpha=100
December 30 2010
Dear Family,
We have been informed that due to some technological issues we will not
be able to broadcast the Celebration Service for Melanie live. However
the service will be posted just after 7PM est on the White Horse
Christian Center website www.whcc.net when you go to the site find the
section titled "Listen and watch sermons" and Melanie's Celebration
Service will be available for viewing and I think downloading.
Thank you for all of your responses to my emails and Facebook postings.
They have filled our hearts with warmth of remembrance of the wonderful
impact Melanie had on the lives of those whom she touched. She would be
proud of me for using "whom" - when she was a teenager she wanted a
"Who" album and her father addressed the tag "To the Who From the Whom".
Melanie's obit:"Melanie Morgan-Dohner, 58, of Lafayette, died of misadventure with
cancer and was reunited with her father and several close friends on the
celebration of Jesus' birthday, December 25, 2010.
During her time on earth, she taught everyone around her to reflect the light and love of God.
She
spent the last 13 years traveling the world preaching the word of Jesus
Christ and bringing emotional, spiritual and physical healing to many.
Because
of her great love of Jesus, we are celebrating her homecoming!
Celebrating most exuberantly are her champion husband, Dr. Dennis
Morgan-Dohner, her BFF/daughter, Autumn Kreson, her favorite son-in-law,
Jacob Kreson, their son and delight, Jet, the daughter she picked out,
and light of her life, Monica Morgan-Dohner, and her other favorite
son-in-law, Russell Sidell.
A
Celebration Service will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 2,
2011 at White Horse Christian Center in West Lafayette. The family
suggests contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, Susan G.
Komen for the Cure, or Donor's favorite ministry.
During her time on earth, she taught everyone around her to reflect the light and love of God.
She
spent the last 13 years traveling the world preaching the word of Jesus
Christ and bringing emotional, spiritual and physical healing to many.
Because
of her great love of Jesus, we are celebrating her homecoming!
Celebrating most exuberantly are her champion husband, Dr. Dennis
Morgan-Dohner, her BFF/daughter, Autumn Kreson, her favorite son-in-law,
Jacob Kreson, their son and delight, Jet, the daughter she picked out,
and light of her life, Monica Morgan-Dohner, and her other favorite
son-in-law, Russell Sidell.
A
Celebration Service will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 2,
2011 at White Horse Christian Center in West Lafayette. The family
suggests contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, Susan G.
Komen for the Cure, or Donor's favorite ministry.
Again thank you for the outpouring of prayers and love - we, the girls
and I, feel well wrapped in the love not only of Jesus but also from
each of you.
Many Blessing for the New Year - May it bring much fruit in your lives as you seek more and more of Him.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Autumn & Jacob & Jet and Monica and Russell
December 26 2010
Dear Family,
We (the local family) want to thank you for all of
your words of encouragement and the out-pouring of love for Melanie and
us. I think I need to get new glasses that will allow me to read email
and my Facebook page through the tears. It was wonderful to see the
testimonies that have been written about Melanie's impact on the lives
of those whom she touched.
I had a wonderful Christmas with Autumn, Jacob and Jet and Monica
and Russell - we laughed and cried and celebrated the Birth of Christ,
and then we celebrated the homecoming of Melanie.
We are planning
the celebration/memorial service that will be held at White Horse
Christian Center -- our home church for the last 12 years -- here in
Lafayette, Indiana. The service will be open to anyone and held on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 4 PM est.
We are in the process of determining if the service can be streamed
live on the web or available to view delayed. You will be able to see
the service at www.whcc.net any time after the service if we cannot broadcast live.
Please know that we really know that you all would love to be here,
and we also know that it will be impossible for most of you. She knows
and I know and the kids know, so be released to watch on the web and
celebrate with us.
However, if you are in town and able to attend the service, know
that after the service we will be hosting a fireworks party at our house
to celebrate Melanie's home going.
Again thank you all for your love and support - it, and the Love Jesus
has for us, is what makes us able to get through this difficult
separation and celebration.
We really do Serve a Big God,
Dennis and Autumn, Jacob & Jet and Monica & Russell
December 25 2010
8.10PM
Dear Family,
It is with great and mixed emotions that inform you that at about 5:30
PM est Melanie went home to be with her Jesus. She got to step into
eternity in the midst of the largest party celebrating the birth of our
Savior. She also got to step into the very large homecoming party for
her. A party in a party , something that Melanie would love.
Melanie would have hated the 5 day stay in the hospital as she has
always wanted a quick and easy death. One of her favorite tombstones
stated "Died by misadventure" which made her laugh out loud.
She would love the fact that through her stay in the hospital we were
able to minister to several of the nursing staff, and bring a different
perspective of how to approach the end of life as we know it and the
beginning of life eternal. We asked one nurse to be totally honest with
us as to Melanie's condition and she told us that no one had ever asked
her to be honest and really mean it. One person who was visiting told
us that the thing she liked the most was when Melanie was praying, she
was using some type of different language. This person said that that
was what they wanted for Christmas - and three minutes later her eyes
opened, with hands on her heart, she said "I've got it, it's mine."
Autumn and I both told her that Melanie would have liked that present
the most.
We have spent the last several days getting used to the idea - as much
as we can at this time; and really know that the cancer has died - the
tumors are gone - the pain has left - the fatigue is no more (she will
be able to dance and run and sing and have rhythm and maybe be able to
whistle.)
We will be making final arrangements and as of yet do not have the
memorial service set - or celebration service - I know that there will
be tears but please remember that she is free and that is something we
will celebrate. We will keep you posted as to the time and place of the
service.
While sharing with the hospital staff we were talking about miracles and
healing and I told them that I am expecting Melanie to sit up and say
"where is my lobster?" and that I had lobster money in my pocket, just
in case. I did not get to use it, but Melanie is having a meal much
better that lobster and her dinner guest is Jesus - the lover of her
soul.
As we close this we (Dennis, Autumn & Jacob & Jet and Monica and
Russell) want to thank you again for all your support and love through
this long journey. We want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas
and may the New Year be filled with a grand adventure with Jesus.
December 25 2010
10:20 AM.
Dear Family,
This is to keep you updated on Melanie's status. She has
been in the hospital since Monday - as of Tuesday she has not been
mentally aware or responsive. She is not in a coma but she is not really
here, and she is still hanging on. We thought that after Wednesday she
would go to be with Jesus at any time, and have spend most of every
minute with her. We have prayed and cried and laughed and cried and
prayed and cried and laughed and cried. We have said all the things we
need to say and we were thinking she wanted to wait till Jesus' birthday
to go home. I was telling her she could be early if she wanted (she
hated to be early). We are waiting for the last breath that will
completely take her into the arms of her Jesus. We know that as much as
we will miss her she will be in a place where she will not miss us, and
will be with us as we journey through the rest of this earthly trip.
We want to thank you for all of your love - we have felt wrapped up
in it - thank you for your prayers and thank you for standing.
We will continue to keep you posted as Melanie completes this journey and starts her eternity.
A friend sent the below poem to Barbara who forwarded it to me and
we want to share it with you - it is our hope for Melanie today. (Had I
got this a year ago I would have thought is somewhat schmaltzy)
May this Christmas be truly a blessing, may you feel the love of family as we have felt it from you.
Dennis, Autumn & Jacob & Jet, and Monica & Russell (Monica's fiance)
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hole you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love,
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold,
It was always more important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can't count the blessing or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
Remember, I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
December 21 2010
Dear Family,
I
think that it is important to keep you informed as to what is going on
with us because it would not be fair not to although it might be easier.
I
think I should title this "I just thought I had more time....." but
there is never enough time. Melanie had some issues that required her to
be in the hospital today (Monday Dec 20) and when the doctor came to
see us, I was told that they would keep her overnight with the hopes of
being able to send her home so that she would not be in the hospital at
the end/beginning. I thought I would come home and get a good nights
sleep but found that it is impossible to sleep. I was laying in bed and
thinking about what to tell you all - there is so much I want to
communicate but there is not enough time or space. The scripture that
comes to mind is Ps 40:5 "Lord my God, great things you have done; your
wonders and your purposes are for our good; none can compare with you; I
would proclaim them and speak of them, but they are more than I can
tell".
Melanie is very close to the end of her natural life and the
beginning of her new life. We are hopeful that she will see Christmas
and be able to celebrate the birth of her Jesus but we know that she
will not see the New Year. We are very close to the miracle we have been
praying for - the one touch from Him that will rise her from her bed or
the going home to the one she loves the most. Which ever happens, we
will celebrate the event with joy and tears and hope.
We have said all the things we need to say - and still I thought I
had more time...... We have had thirty two wonder-filled years ( I have
been married to Melanie for one half of my life) and yet I thought I
had more time...... We have been on a wonder-filled life these last 20
years and have seen God do miracle after miracle, and yet I thought I
had more time....... We have seen God heal people both physically and
emotionally, watched them walk into the Light of God and the Freedom
that healing has provided, and yet I thought we had more time....... I
have never loved anyone as much, not had as much fun as I have had with
her, and yet I thought I had more time.....We have laughed and cried and
traveled the world doing something that we loved, and yet I though I
had more time...... I will miss her and I know that where she will be
she will not miss me, and I look forward to the time when we are
together again...and yet I thought I had more time here.
As I type this, with tears at 3AM on my way back to the hospital, I
know that Melanie knows that I love her more that anything and for me
that is very important - that we have not left anything undone, there
are no regrets, no fears, nothing unsaid nothing between us except
the amazement of a life together that has been a wonder-filled ride.
Most importantly I know that there is nothing between us that has not
been resolved and we will part best friends, partners (in the truest
sense of the word) and lovers, with eternity to look forward to
together. Garth Brooks has a song where he sings "If tomorrow never
comes will she know that I loved her..." Melanie knows. In another song
he sings about if we knew what was coming we could have "avoided the
pain but we would have missed the Dance" Melanie and I have not missed
the Dance.
Please make sure that the ones you love know it. Make sure that there is nothing left undone.
I will send an update as soon as there is more to report.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn, Jake & Jet and Monica
December 10 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
I am not sure how to start or even end this
email because of the information I want to communicate to you. As I tell
other people just start so here goes......
As with my family I
think it would be a disservice to each of you if you were not told the
truth. I don't want any surprise or any shock or any disappointment with
us or God.
On Monday we met with the doctor to get an update on what the new
plan for treatment was to be. The doctor told us that other than an
injection that may or may not help improve the liver function there was
nothing medical left to be done and there is no medical treatment that
does not process through the liver. We told the doctor that there was a
family event planned for the Spring and her response was "I don't know
if you will be alive then, I also don't know if you won't be..." The
doctor also said "Melanie you have lived with liver cancer longer than
most people". The doctor did not give us any time frame except to let us
know that the calendar is very short.
So here we are in the tension that most Christians have difficulty with and a lot of times don't handle well:
On
one hand: We believe in God and the saving grace of His Son - We
believe that Jesus can heal Melanie with just one touch - We believe
that the miracle is coming - We believe in the promises of God for
Melanie's life and our lives together - We believe each and every
prophetic word spoken over her and us - We believe in the eternal life
with Jesus - We believe that the supernatural can invade the natural -
We believe.
On the other hand: We live in a fallen world - in this reality (the
one we live our daily lives in) Melanie's body is deteriorating - Her
body is not making enough blood - Her tumor markers have risen from 1685
in Nov to 2880 in Dec - The cancer in her liver continues to grow -
Melanie continues to lose strength - Some days are better than others -
We believe that the miracle is coming, what we are not sure of is which
side of Heaven it is going to arrive.
We (Christians) need to really learn how to live in this tension -
what we believe and what we see. Our hope is in the eternal life with
Jesus not that she will be healed here.
We KNOW that it
only takes one touch - we have seen it in the lives of others and yet
some we have also seen it when the touch comes after death. We are
living in this place of wonder at the grace of God and the peace of His
Son and yet are still hopeful of the touch that heals.
So in that tension there is also this - what happens if she gets
healed? How will we respond? How long will the celebration last? How
much more will we get to do? And how many of these emails will I write?
And
there is this - what happens if she dies? How will we respond? How long
will the celebration last? How well will we reflect Jesus in our loss?
How well will we live our lives so that others will want to know how we
got thought this difficult time with the Joy of eternity showing.
Where does that leave us? We will meet with the doctor early next
month for blood tests and results (to see if the injection worked or was
just a pain in the butt) of the shot (jab) Melanie had and a treatment
for building bones. I will be sending an update after that meeting
unless something happens that I think you should know - remember as my
family I don't want you to have any surprises.
Please hear my heart - I am living in the hope of healing - but I
also see her daily not get any stronger - We need the one touch because
with out it we are living with a short calendar that has no clear end.
So I am hopeful that the next email will be the one announcing the
healing.
We are forever grateful for you prayers and support and love - with
out it this journey would be much more difficult - with it we feel loved
and covered with His wings.
Remember today would be a great day for a miracle.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis & Melanie, Autumn & Jacob & Jet and Monica
PS From our house to your house may the Blessings of this Christmas
season be overflowing. We remember that the miracle of Christmas allows
us to celebrate each and every day. May your families be filled with Joy
and Hope and Pleasure during this most Wonderfilled Season.
November 30 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
As you know Melanie has been undergoing
radiation treatment on her back in two spots. The most critical was the
soft tissue tumor that was between the spinal cord and the vertebra. She
had 19 treatments in that area and somewhere around 16 treatments on a
spot midway down her back. These treatments were to kill the tumors and
control the pain. It seems as if the treatment has done it's job but we
will have to wait for a month or so to have the complete results. An
interesting thing about radiation is not only is it cumulative but also
continues to have effect after treatment is done. Which is why we need
to wait. On our last visit to the radiation oncologist we were told that
the soft tissue tumor in Melanie's neck was the largest they had seen
and that they had seen much smaller ones cause paralysis.
Thank you God that Melanie was protected from that.
We had a
doctors visit on Monday and the news was not very encouraging. The
doctor told us that Melanie's blood count was to low to allow treatment.
One of the other things about bone radiation is that it effects the
body's ability to produce blood cells and without blood cells it is
difficult for the body to fight and undergo additional systemic
treatment. Because of the low blood count Melanie cannot have any
treatment at this time. Her body could not handle any chemotherapy and
with out chemotherapy, the disease in her liver continues to grow and
without treatment.......and here we are once again in hope of a miracle
because without one the calendar of Melanie's life just got shorter.
There will be additional blood tests to determine if there is a
treatment that Melanie's body can handle and of course more doctor
visits and we will keep you all posted as to what the outcome is and
what the plan will be.
This is the crunch time in the life of a cancer patient – without
something outside of the body happening the body will just stop working.
We are ever hopeful of that one touch from Jesus and are spending our
days celebrating Melanie and praying for that one touch.
This morning, very early, as we were cuddling and talking about this
new turn in our lives Melanie asked me if there was something she
should have done (read couldda, shudda, wouldda -- enemy speak for it's
your fault) and I told her that the plan of God cannot be changed by
our decisions. His plan is good and eternal – what does change is the
path we take to get there. We all are faced with decisions that will
effect our lives – sometimes we will walk through the wrong door or make
a wrong or bad decision and we will suffer the consequences. Those
decisions do not effect the eternal plan - just the daily walking out of
our lives. We get to choose how we deal with the things we are facing –
the good the bad and the ugly. The only question is “in the midst of
the circumstances that I like or don't like, who am I going to be?” The
most important thing to remember is that in the end we win. This is a
time to make sure that we (as Christians) really understand the eternal
aspects of our lives and the lives of those whom we love. This is a part
of God's plan that I really don't like – but I know that my liking or
disliking the plan will not change it, it will only effect how I live in
it. God is good all the time and we need to remember that during times
when we just don't like what is happening. And here is a Kingdom
principle – when I think God is not good all the time, it's my
misbeliefs in play, not Him.
My friends I wanted to share this with you because I think it would
be unfair to you and us not to be totally honest - I don't want there
to be any surprises from our end. We are in the battle of our lives and
we know it – we also know that you all are standing with us. I know that
there will be surprise at the latest developments in Melanie's health –
but I need you to remember that we are waiting for the miracle that
will change Melanie's life. So we are waiting for one of two things to
happen and either will be cause for celebration – the first is the
miracle of healing and the second is the miracle of eternity with Jesus
- either one will cause fireworks to be shot off at my house and I
would hope that each of you would join me in that celebration.
We will be forever grateful for all the support and will keep you posted as we continue this unusual journey that God has us on.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis & Melanie
This
is Melanie, joining in to say that God is GOOD and life is GOOD. I
still have promises out in front of me -- that I believe in. On the
other hand, I believe that Heaven and God are the best of ALL things, so
I am in a win-win situation. I have no failure ahead of me. When you
hear that I have gone home, please celebrate my life AND my death -- it
IS the reason for believing -- it IS the reason for coming into the
family -- and WHAT GOOD family it is! I love you all -- I am at odds
with no one (not even the satanist who sued me (!) Know that I love you
and celebrate having had you in my life!
Serving and praising a BIG GOD!!
October 22 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
As you know, Melanie has been under radiation
treatment for pain in her back. After several treatments the pain had
not subsided so the doctors requested a CT scan of her chest and abdomen
to determine the cause of the continued pain. After the scan the
doctors told us that they really wanted a MRI of Melanie's back because
the saw something they did not like. The doctor also told us that the
tumors in Melanie's liver had grown and that the pain in her side was
because of the pressure from the growth.
We stayed late, and Melanie had the MRI and we got the results last
night. The scan showed that she has a soft tissue tumor growing between her
spinal cord and the vertebrae at the base of her neck. This is of great
concern for the doctors - the area of the tumor, if not treated can
effect her mobility. (read lost of movement in arms and legs). The
doctor then told us that she has called in a prescription for a steroid
(to ease the swelling) and that she would meet us at the office at 6:45
PM for a treatment. Melanie will also have a treatment today, Friday,
and will meet with the doctor to determine the treatment plan. The
discussion with the doctor will also include the duration of the plan
and the risks involved. The radiation doctors are very careful about the
amount of radiation the spinal cord can absorb.
I know that you all pray for her, but right now we need a little
more. This seems to be a much bigger issue that a little spot in one of
the bones in her back. The doctor indicated that this is one of the
worst cases of compression of the spinal cord she has seen, without
paralysis. Now, we do not give into fear but realize the need for extra
protection for Melanie. Protection physically and emotionally. We are
planning on traveling to England early next week and the doctors are
trying their best to keep us on that schedule, but as we were talking
last night to the doctor I made it very clear that Melanie is the
priority -- the trip can be postponed. We will know much more today as
to the duration of treatment. I am still planning on taking her on this
trip - we just don't know the exact dates yet.
So please continue to pray for her protection and strength, she is
getting tired of the continued treatment and medical issues. We both
know that what she really needs is just one touch from Jesus. We are
ever hopeful of that touch because today is a great day for a miracle. We continue to hold onto the hope of healing.
As I write this I am drinking coffee from one of my favorite cups -
on one side it says "Do what you like. Like what you do." And on the
other side "LIFE IS GOOD". We are getting to do what we not only like,
but love -- serving Jesus in any way that we can. We know that Life is
Really Good and will only get better in Heaven. As we continue to fight
the fight, we gain strength from all of you as you support us during
the battle. We do honor you for standing with us during these last 5
years, knowing we could not do it without you.
Thank you and may God pour blessings over you and all of yours this day.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis & Melanie
October 10 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
I know that it has been a while since our last email update and I have
heard from several that I am well past due. So here is the latest.
We have been on a cycle of chemo which is treatment on three consecutive
Mondays with jabs for 5 days following the third treatment. There have
been times when Melanie's blood count was too low to allow treatment, and we just had to wait that out.
We also took a mini break from all things medical when we went to
California to visit both mothers and extended families. We had a
wonder-filled time in the California desert. Spent most of the time in
the pool and in the jacuzzi getting out only to eat and sleep. We were
able to visit both mothers, new grandson and his family some brothers
and sisters. It was a well needed rest. I have informed the doctors that we do need to build some quality of
life into our schedule. So I have scheduled a trip to England for three
weeks. The doctors have agreed that quality of life is very important to
the patient's life. There are many people whom Melanie wants to see ---
our oncologist says that our spirit must stay high, because the
patient's spirit leads the fight.
Well, we know WHO leads this fight -- our Lord and Savior. ALL good things come through Him.
We are scheduled to fly to England on the 27th of Oct and return on the 12th of Nov. We had planned on Melanie having her last treatment on Oct 18th see the
doctor on the 26th for a visit and be off. Just one little hiccup in
the plans. Last week Melanie's back started to hurt (this my
understatement Melanie says "it screamed OUCH")- we were treating it
with some pain killers but yesterday she woke up in severe pain. After
visiting the radiation oncologist it was determined that she would start
a round of radiation on her back to ease the pain. This has worked in
the past and after just one treatment the pain was gone. We hope, we
HOPE for that same result!
The new plan of attack is that Melanie will start radiation today and
will continue through next week. Her chemo that was planned has been
postponed until we get back from our trip.
This once again reminds us that we are in a very long and at times
difficult battle and the only thing that changes is the location of the
enemy. We really understand the term "for the duration" until it is over and we
plan on continuing the battle wherever it goes. The one thing that the
enemy cannot ever have is our hearts. The enemy truly is after our
heart - he comes at us through our bodies and minds - using friends and
family - disease and pain - but what he really wants is our hearts. What
he really wants is for us to quit and give up. To turn away from what
we really know is true - God really loves and cancer is just temporary.
Eternity is what is important and we both know where we will be spending
our time.
We love you all and truly value your prayers and support.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis & Melanie
July 10 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
I know that we have not written in a while and
some of you are wondering what is happening here with Melanie and me.
We
have had a some what quiet time, however not with out the obligatory
medical surprise. As you know Melanie was on chemotherapy, treatment
once a week for three weeks - in week three the treatment was followed
by an injection (jab for our British friends) daily for 5 days. After
being on that schedule Melanie was having some pain in her side, we
thought she had cracked a rib, and one morning woke up with a pain in
her left hip. We tried to control the pain with oral pain killers and
when that did not work called the Doctor's office and were referred to
the emergency room. After a CT scan the attending Doctor told us that he
could not find any soft tissue damage or any fractures on either her
ribs or hip. His answer was to go see our oncologist for more tests and
treatment, this was on a Tuesday and we were scheduled to see Melanie's
doctor on Thursday.
Now you all know that for us this is not anything new. However there
was one complication. We were scheduled (since early 2009) to speak at a
Camp Farthest Out Family Camp in Florida that coming week. We were
hopeful that Melanie would be able to go with me if she could manage the
stress of travel and not being close to her own bed. Because of the
report and the fact that she was in a lot of pain we decided that I
would go alone and she would stay home. Remember in our house the one
who is under medical treatment does not get to make the decision.
On Thursday Melanie's oncologist having read the scan from the
hospital decided that the first thing was for us to go and see the
radiation oncologist across the parking lot. For those who, like Melanie
has some short term memory loss. the name of the place where she gets
radiation is Faith, Hope and Love Radiation. After seeing the radiation
oncologist it was decided that Melanie would start treatment that day.
Here is the great news - after one radiation treatment Melanie was
pain free. This was such an answer to prayer since nothing else was
working.
Having Melanie out of pain allowed me to travel to Florida with
somewhat of a peaceful mind and spirit. This was the first time in more
than a year I had left her alone. The camp was really great, met a lot
of new friends, God showed up, people were set free and healed and a lot
of fun was had by all. Looking forward to going to camp again.
During the week I was gone Melanie had to undergo several MRI's, a
bone scan and a CT scan to determine not only what was going on in her
body but to also plan the next phase of treatment as well as a radiation
treatment each day. The local church body came to the rescue and
everyday someone different took her to the scans and treatment. She was
well taken care of because after the scan they would go to lunch and
then back for treatment before home and bed. I know that she had some
very long and hard days and I missed being there for her but I also knew
that she was in good hands both from our friends but also from our God.
Last week Melanie finished the last radiation treatment and as we
saw the doctor before we left we were informed that the after effect of
the treatment could last several months as the body removes the dead
tissue and recovers from the radiation. Please continue to pray for
strength and energy for Melanie.
We met with Melanie's oncologist yesterday to determine what is next
on the agenda. The results of the scans showed that there are no new
tumors however the tumor markers in her blood had increased from 73 to
135 which indicates that the cancer is active. The cancer is still in
her liver, some lymph nodes, and in some bones. The doctor also
mentioned that the increase could be because of the latest treatment and
the cancer is dying and releasing the protein that is measured in the
blood test. So the plan is for Melanie to start on chemotherapy again.
The schedule will be the same as before; treatment once a week for three
weeks with a week off for a blood test and an assessment from the
Doctor.
For the last year or so there have been several consistent things in
our lives. They have been doctor visits, scans of all types, blood
draws, treatments of various types and the knowledge that God really
loves us. Of all the things in our lives what is absolutely true is that
God is on our side and He loves us. Even when the circumstances seem
overwhelming we know that God is present and that nothing can overwhelm
us. When Melanie has a down time or is struggling with what is going on
we remember to stand on what is true. What is true is that God loves us
no matter what. When I was at camp someone said God is good and the
answer everybody gives is "all the time" but some times in our
circumstances we have a tendency to not be sure if it is "all the time"
but I know this: when we think He is not good all the time it has to do
with us and not Him. So I say "God is good all the time and when I think
He's not, it is me (I am the problem).
I know that this has been a long haul for us and I most humbly say
to each and every one of you who have stuck with us -"With out your
support and love this journey would be more difficult and I love you all
the more for staying the course."
We continue to serve a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn, Jacob
& Jet and Monica
May 23 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
People have been reminding me that I have
not sent out an update lately. Sorry!
Last week, Melanie had a
series of scans to determine the status of the cancer. She underwent an
MRI of her brain, a PET scan of her body and a whole body CT scan. The
first results we got were from the neurosurgeon, who told us that of the
six tumors he has treated the first one, which was the biggest, is dead
and shrinking, the next three have disappeared altogether and the last
two are just dots and he is not sure if they were actual cancer tumors.
Because of the good report, the doctor will want to see Melanie every
three months for the next year for check ups. Thank you God!
Melanie's oncologist met with us last week and told her that the PET
scan showed that all of the tumors in her body are shrinking. The ones
in her liver are getting smaller as are the ones in her neck and that
the blood work shows that the tumor markers are down from a high of 378
last year (normal is between 30-35) to 63. All of which is to say that
the chemotherapy she is on is working (the last two courses she took did
not help -- the tumors grew during them, which was very disappointing.)
We are excited about this news but understand that there is still a
long way to go.
The treatment schedule is chemotherapy for three weeks and then a week
off, until sometime in the future (when that is, we really don't know.)
Because the chemo is working, Melanie's blood count, both red and white,
are low. As part of the treatment plan she receives with each chemo
infusion a drug to build her red count and after the third infusion she
receives an injection daily for 5 days.
It is hard to believe that we have been on this up and down roller
coaster for almost 5 years. Melanie has undergone so much treatment for
so long it is hard to keep track of it all. The brain surgeries and
brain scans MRI's, the PET scans. CT scans, bone scans, X-rays, blood
draws, chemotherapy (some that have worked and some that have not) and
other pokes and prods that are too many to count. We have had scans that
have told us that there is cancer and scans that have been all clear.
Trips to the hospital for upper GI problems and the operating room to
have a rod placed in her femur. And the list goes on with no end in
sight. When looking at the list of things Melanie has gone through she
has remarked that the cancer hasn't been as difficult as the other
things that have happened. And just to add to the list she suffered a
cracked rib when her hand slipped on the side of the bed and she struck
the rail. This has caused her a lot of pain but at least we know that
this pain will end soon.
And yet through it all there have been two constants in our lives:
God and you. We could not have done any of this without you and Him.
God
has been present at each and every doctor visit, scan, treatment and
poke and prod. There has not been one moment that we have not felt His
presence. We have found comfort during the difficult times and peace
through out the entire time. Even though this has gone on a very long
time we have never felt abandoned by Him. We know that living in a
fallen world bad things happen to good people and good things happen to
bad people.
During this time you, all of you, have been the other constant in
our lives. You have also been present at each doctor visit and treatment
session. You have sustained us through this most difficult time with
your prayers, card and letters, contributions and love. We have never
felt more love than during this time. On the hard days and there have
been some, the knowledge that we are not alone has sustained us. The
support you have given us has allowed us to survive financially during a
time of not being able to do what we normally do. We are now facing a
continued time a home because the treatment plan is open ended. It
really is for the duration and we know that we will not be facing this
alone and that makes it doable.
We value your continued prayers for complete healing. The biggest
side effect of all this treatment is the fatigue. So please pray for
strength - physical and mental and emotional. It has been a long battle
and Melanie has very little, if any, reserve so when she gets tired, she
is really tired and needs to rest. Prayers for continued financial
support without which we could not do what we are doing. Prayers for
continued wisdom for the doctors. And anything else that the Lord puts
on your hearts. We value you and your prayers more that words can
express. Thank you all for staying the course with us.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn & Jacob & Jet,
and
Monica
PS: Our web site has been down but should be up and running next
week sometime.
PSS. This is Melanie. I haven't added to my Blog
in a year --- this fight has been that debilitating. I will tell you
that as hard as we cling to the Truth, I've really had to fight against
discouragement and despair.
My grandson, Jet, keeps me going, when nothing else can. Not that I am
concerned with seeing him take all those life steps, graduate and marry,
etc. What I want is that my grandson know me --- I want him to know me
well.
I've enjoyed the end of the year, 2009, and still review the
Christmas cards -- I especially like the ones with photos and "stories
of the year." Not even having created one, myself, I love keeping
track of children that I have known and their parents -- it's a real
treat.
One year, a friend who had routinely done a splendid "here we
are
--- here's what we did" letter phoned me and said, "No Christmas
letter!!" "If I did one," she said, "it would be nothing of a picture
of me, holding a sign that says 'LIFE SUCKS'" As 2009 progressed, I was
really FEELIN' her sentiment! Given more meditation, however, I want to
say that if I could have, I'd have produced a letter with pictures of
Dennis racing me to and fro to medical appointments, me in the
head-frame used for brain surgeries, both of us on the hospital bed, the
back cranked up and the two of us watching TV together, the hospital
employees, many of whom told us, "We are all talking about you two --
about the way he takes care of you -- about how much we see love in
you..", me on the radiation table, me in the chemo chair, all of us at
Thanksgiving and Christmas (everybody alive...), and
finally, a picture of us all holding a sign that says, "LIFE IS GOOD!"
So even when it is hard, even when discouragement and despair hover,
"LIFE IS GOOD".
Many many BLESSINGS over all of you. I read the "send to" list and
there isn't anybody I don't personally miss and wish I was with at a
table with.... Please KNOW that I MISS you --- if I don't get to see
you again, this side, I'm reserving a hundred years with you on the
other side!
MUCH LOVE,
Melanie
March 1 2010
Dear Prayer Partners,
I realize that I have not written in a long
time and so I thought it was time for an update on Melanie. I have been
holding off sending an update until I had some news. And now I have
some news.
In December Melanie was put on a new chemo - because the other two
courses did not work - her schedule was to be six weeks of chemo and
then a re-scan. At week four her blood count was to low to have chemo so
they started her on daily injections to build up her white count and a
weekly injection to build her red count. After two weeks of this she was
able to have the last two chemo treatments. She still needed the daily
injections, but for only five days after treatment (these injections
were administered at the doctors office except on the weekend when we
needed to go to the hospital). This means that EVERY DAY we have to
bundle her up and go out into freezing weather.
Last week she had her scans - the PET and CT. We got the results on
Friday and the news was good. There are no new tumors, the very large
tumor in her neck has gotten smaller and the largest tumor in her liver
is about the same size on the PET scan but the CT scan shows the inside
of that tumor is dying. Melanie's tumor markers in her blood have
fallen, but are still high. So the net result is that this chemo is
working - however there is still a long way to go.
The new schedule through April is that she will be taking chemo for
two weeks and a week off. For five days after each chemo treatment she
will continue to have the blood building injections. The other good
news is that Melanie's pain seems to have disappeared so we will be
weaning her off of the heavy duty pain medication to determine the
level, if any, of pain.
This reminds me of the Band of Brothers - they have fought long and
hard and are still on the front lines during a very long and cold winter
with no new equipment, little supplies and nothing but each other and
grace for the conditions. We seem to be in the long winter of the battle
- not a lot to look forward to because the battle is still raging. And
yet we still have grace in abundance since we know that we will win the
war even though there may be minor set backs during the long campaign.
We still have hope in abundance since we know that we are living in the
shadow of the wing of the Most High God. And most importantly, we do
have something to look forward to - returning to ministry - we have
missed seeing our friends and family. We have been home for a really
long time and have missed working. Our children and grand child have
benefited greatly. At least once a week Autumn will call and see if
Grandpa is available for child care - how could I ever say no. The
family time has been great.
We thank you all for being on the battle field with us - there is no
other group of people I would rather battle with than each of you. Some
day we will all be in the same place at the same time and it will be a
grand party. Until that time we ask the Lord to richly bless each and
every one of you and your families.
Serving A Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn, Jacob and Jet and
Monica.
December 17 2009
Dear Prayer Partners;
This is a great season for reflection. I am sitting here
listening to some of my favorite music and knowing that the God of the Universe
sent His son so that I could be in relationship with Him. What a gift. My
favorite Christmas Carol is “O Holy Night”. �I have a compilation of that song and each
track is different and the same; the same words but with different inflection
and tone that makes each track unique, and yet the same.
I think that God
looks at us, made in His image, and sees the same thing – each one of us is
unique and different, �yet the same –
each of us has hopes and dreams and needs, wants and desires and objectives and
goals, different words, inflections, tones and�
yet the same, His son or daughter. �This season is one of Hope – Hope that the
world can and will get better – Hope that healing will happen, sooner and more
often – Hope that our dreams will come true – Hope that Peace will reign – Hope
that you and Melanie and I will once again share a meal. The things hoped for
are never in vain, and we wait until those things come to pass. We wait with
Hope.
Each of us have battles and victories, some won in public
and some in private -- yet it is in the
battle that we find His presence the greatest.
So the update on the medical front:
Melanie needed a rod placed in her right femur because of a
tumor there. The doctors were concerned that the leg might break and it is
easier to be prepared than repaired. So the operation was a success. �She has a titanium rod, inside the bone, from
hip to knee.� The doctor is very pleased
and now Melanie is on to radiation on the femur. That treatment will last 10
days and will end on Friday December 18. The results of the radiation
will not be known for several weeks since radiation is accumulative and the
effect will take time to notice. This still goes under the heading of “Who
thought this one up….?”
Because of the above detour, Melanie’s oncologist is anxious
about the other tumors growing in the rest of her body. The ones in her liver
and neck are the most noticeable. So with that in mind, and wanting to attack
the cancer as soon as possible, Melanie will be starting on a new chemotherapy
on Tuesday December 22.� She will
have a treatment a week for at least 4 weeks, with a review at the end of that
time.
We will have scans in January to determine the effect of the
Gamma Knife, the radiation on her femur and the new chemotherapy. What a way to
start the New Year – however we are still confident that Melanie’s healing is
close. �We might have a great celebration!!
This is the difficulty we all face -- we know things that
are supposed to happen and haven’t yet. We wait and are not discouraged because
we really trust God in all things. We trust Him to know when, where, how and
through whom or what, that thing we wait for will come to pass. The goal is to
know Truth and not worry, fear, doubt, be discouraged or hopeless. The goal is
to hang on to Him at all times through all seasons. We know that all seasons
end -- and then we will be facing something new. And facing that something new,
we will be faced with the same difficulty as before.� Will we be good reflectors of Jesus, or not?
Our circumstances will not dictate our response to life, our
hearts will. And as for me and my house we will Trust and Serve our God in all
things, good or bad.
We wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas and
a Joyous New Year.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn & Jacob & Jet and Monica
From Melanie:� If you
are on this list, then it is absolutely true that I am hoping to see you again,
and share 100 stories and a meal!� I am
so grateful for the cards and notes that come from y’all.�
AND, some of you have come here to be with us!!� To help me walk, feed me soup, get me into
the bathroom (double and triple THANKS) You get trophies from me….!
I am 4 weeks past the bone surgery, and graduated to walking
with a cane.� While the surgery came as a
shock to us, we are really grateful for it.�
It’s not that long ago that I was sleepwalking, and banging into corners
and door frames, and we see how easily I could have shattered that bone…..YIKES!!
(If you’ve ever had bone surgery, you know how difficult it is to “be grateful
for it…”)
GOD WAS WATCHING OUT FOR ME, and doing something He often
does, GOING AHEAD OF THE NEED!!
I LOVE YOU ALL, AND MISS YOU – HUGELY!
Melanie
November 13 2009
Dear Prayer Partners,
I am not even sure how to start this. How does
one know how much someone can handle? We sure don't, but once again we
have had something new piled onto our plate. During one of Melanie's
many scans it was discovered that she had a tumor on her right femur.
The latest scan showed that it had grown and an xray last week
determined that something needed to be done.
The oncologist referred the x-ray to the radiation oncologist who
determined that there was great risk that the bone may break before
treatment and that radiation would weaken the bone even more.
So,
today, we visited an orthopedic surgeon who informed us that Melanie
needed to have a rod inserted into her right femur on Monday.
A
rod into the femur bone? Who thinks these things up? We thought we had
the treatment plan all figured out -- Mondays were blood draw, Tuesday
chemo and rest and healing in between.
This
will delay the chemo treatment for at least a couple of weeks.The new
schedule will be surgery on Monday, for the rod. Melanie will be able
to go home on Tues. Then we will start a short radiation treatment
schedule, not sure how long but we think the radiation will be between
5 & 7 treatments. After the radiation, then back onto chemo, we are
just not sure when that will start. They want the leg to heal from the
surgery and the radiation to be over, before starting chemo.
So -- once again -- another bend in the road...TO INFINITY AND
BEYOND ! We know that God is in charge and that He never authors the
bad thing, and we do know that He is a God of redemption and that He
will redeem this.
We are needing prayers for continued strength. This is a little bit
of a curve and we are adjusting to the new reality of it. Our surprised
eyebrows have not come down, yet....
An update on the Gamma
Knife is that the doctor was very positive that it was a very
successful procedure. We will have a follow up scan in about three
months. Melanie is doing really well with the exception of being very
tired.
We know that without your prayers and support we would not be the
same. We love each and every one of you. We know that we are not in
this battle alone and we are still waiting on the healing. We believe
that today would be a good day for the miracle. Today God. And we know
that we will continue to ask until that day.
Thank you for your continued support and love and endurance.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn & Jacob & Jet and Monica
October 26 2009
Dear Prayer Partners,
Last Saturday, we had a dinner party for Melanie’s 57th
birthday – surrounded by friends and family, she was celebrated. The
celebration was not only for her birthday, but also for her life. While sitting
there and looking around the table, I was missing each one of you. If the table
had been big enough and travel been a non -issue I would have loved, and I know
Melanie would also, each one of you present. And that in its self would have
been a wonderful present. Each of you have made a lasting impression on our
lives and are loved and missed, and we are looking forward to the time when
Melanie is strong and able to travel once again,� or to go to church.
As I was looking around that table, I had a small picture of
the wonder of the Body of Christ. Each one of us is different and unique and
needed to make up the complete body. During this time of being at home, I have
spend more time falling in love with my Jesus. And as that happens, I see how
much He is in love with that which He has made, and that has made me fall more
and more in love with His creation. Each one of you is loved, cherished,
pursued, forgiven, honored and needed to make it all complete.
In the ebb and flow of life, people move in and out of our
lives and even though some of you were not at our dinner table last Saturday,
you were in our hearts. We have had the honor of being in most of your homes
and have had meals with many of you, and shared life with you and you have
greatly enriched our lives.
We are in another ebb and flow of treatment. The ebb is that
Melanie is not having chemo at the present. The reasons are twofold; the first
is that the last two chemos have not been effective and the tumors in her body
have continued to grow, instead of shrinking and dying. The second reason is
the flow part. Melanie will be undergoing another Gamma Knife procedure on the
29th of Oct. The last MRI of her brain revealed two new very small
tumors. The Neurosurgeon was very positive that the Gamma Knife will once again
do the job of killing the tumors and the cancer. The rest of the flow part is
that Melanie will be starting a new chemo on Nov 17th and will
continue once a week for at least 6 weeks. According to the Oncologist this new
chemo has shown very good results in fighting the type of cancer Melanie has.
The good news is that we are still alive and fighting and
ever hope filled, �knowing that the miracle
can happen at any time. “Today, God, would be a good day for that miracle” is
how I start my day. Reminding Him that since we both woke up, He must be up to
something really good in our lives, and that we will stand on His promises. We
know that we live in a plan that is eternal and that sometimes the plan just doesn’t
feel very good – but it is a good plan never the less.
Thank you all for your prayers and support – you are truly loved
and missed.
Once again wishing you had been at our dinner table, and
knowing that you were there in spirit, and in our hearts.
Serving a Big God,
Dennis, Melanie, Autumn, Jake & Jet and Monica
I will be sending out a short update after the Gamma Knife
September 22 2009
Dear Prayer Partners,
I
really don't know how to start this one. You have been so faithful
throughout this fight, that asking you to continue feels a little
difficult. However Melanie and I are in this for the duration and know
that at the end of this road she and I will win. We will win the war,
although we might lose a few of the battles along the way. Have you
ever wondered why Paul spent so much of his writing on the topic of
war? Well... I fully understand what he was talking about. We are in a
war, not for our money or health or possessions, but for our hearts. We
must understand that no matter what the enemy/world throws at us, if we
will just hold on to what is true we will win the war. We know that
sometimes we get battle weary and that is understandable, yet that is
when the greatest closeness comes, when the greatest knowledge of Him
and us comes, when the greatest comfort comes. At that moment, when it
is the hardest, we know that He just loves us, no matter what else is
happening around us or to us or to a loved one. He never changes and
when we grasp that and hold on to Him, we will know that peace that
surpasses all understanding. That is when we can look into the future
and say without a doubt, "My God loves me!"
Now
for the latest from our battlefield. Melanie has been on her new chemo
treatment, that is administered every three weeks. Her next treatment
will be on Tues Sept 29th. So far, they have been ok except for the
fatigue that comes with it. She has some muscle ache a couple of days
after each treatment but it does not last for long and they have given
her pain medication to ease the pain. She has had no other side effects
and that is a great thing. We know that the markers in the blood that
measure the cancer activity are being reduced and are ever hopeful that
they will continue to decline and that the chemo will in fact really
kill the cancer. Her energy level is very low and she spends a lot of
time resting in bed, which is how her body will fight the cancer, the
chemo and do the other thousand things her body is doing to fight this
battle. Please continue to pray for strength of body.
The
next thing is that yesterday, the 21st, Melanie had a routine MRI of
her brain. This scan revealed that Melanie has two new tumors in her
brain. One is in the lower back left of her brain and the other is in
the upper front of her brain. This means she will be undergoing an
additional Gamma Knife procedure in the very near future. The
neurologist was very positive that since these are very small, the
Gamma Knife should take care of the problem. However, he also found
something he was not sure about in the area where Melanie had her last
Gamma Knife treatment. He has scheduled a PET scan for next Monday to
see what, if any, activity is happening in that area. Please pray that
the scan will show nothing but irritation of the area because of the
last treatment (which he says is possible, even after a year...).
The
battle plan is laid out for us. We will have the PET scan on Monday and
Melanie will have chemo on Tuesday. We will wait for the Gamma Knife to
be sched
